Tuesday 5th June. First Chemo Day

I'm tending to type how I talk. Abbreviated sentences, shortened words, conserve energy for breathing. Don't get excited, laugh, or talk too fast. Focus on what you have to say, concentrate hard.

Pictures are lovely, but don't really paint an accurate account of the whole scene. If you catch me sitting quietly, nothing looks particularly untoward, but when the coughing/breathing difficulties begin you are not only on a new page, you're in a completely new book.

Managed another slow dog walk this morning with Steve ( apparently I need a carer), luckily he was free early on this morning. He helped pull me up the hill ( actually a slope) , I'm not too bad on the flat.

Squeezed in a quick pedicure, one can't possibly turn up for chemo with chipped toe nails, must get priorities right.

Arrived at hospital at 12, and started all the pre meds, anti sickness, anti histamine, steroids etc, the port was a little temperamental to start with, but with a bit of drain cleaner, got fully functional.

Three and a half hours later, I was free to leave, and 'touch wood' no reactions to the Taxol.

Thanks to SW and Steve for their support today, I wasn't to be trusted to drive or manage the first cycle on my own, but I actually was grateful for their help.

I found I knew the other two ladies, in oncology who were also having treatment, and we did have  little discussions, both have had alternative treatments elsewhere. All very interesting.

Now, on a totally different track, a few photos from my UK #roadtrip.

 Warwick Castle

 Oxford

 Bath

 Studland